Ready for one of the most surprising healthcare industry stats you’re bound to hear this week?

A March survey by Healthmine of 500 insured consumers who use mobile/internet-connected health applications found that 39% still have not heard of telemedicine.

What’s more, only one third of respondents say their health plan offers telehealth as an option. However, 93% of those who have used telemedicine say it has lowered their healthcare costs.

Telemedicine allows patients to connect with doctors through smartphones, computers and other devices. It can be a convenient and cost-effective alternative to traditional healthcare. Remote visits tend to be faster and less expensive than most visits to the doctor’s office, emergency rooms or urgent care clinics. Fifty-five percent (55%) of respondents who have access to telemedicine have used it.

Despite the potential benefits of telehealth when used appropriately, many Americans still prefer traditional, in-person provider visits. Forty-two percent (42%) of respondents who haven’t used telehealth say they prefer a doctor office visit. But, more than a quarter of consumers simply don’t know when it is appropriate to use telemedicine versus traditional medicine.